Re: Falcons not cutting Michael Vick - PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE

[FredScuttle]

The Falcons are not in the wrong here...please don't pile on until you read this explanation for what they're trying to do:

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/08/25/vickbonus_0826.html

[Kagemusha]

1. Uh yeah, not cutting him means they can go after his $ easier

His signing bonus to be more specific.

Though some of it is probably off limits because Vick fulfilled part of his contract before wrecking his career.

[FredScuttle]

3. As per the collective bargaining agreement, they can only go after his signing bonuses

even though he's received $40 million in total bonuses.

[Kagemusha]

5. Those 'other bonuses' are known as pay. They were earned by work.

This is a breach of contract issue, not a fine... (Edit: You seem to know that quite well but I wanted to spell it out for other readers. Thanks.)

[wndycty]

4. Which is in essence a $22 million fine. . .

. . .I'm not sure if murderers or rapists are ever fined that much. Perspective people, perspective.

[Zueda]

6. Sorry...very difficult to see your perspective.

Falcons just want a reimbursment being that Vick will no longer play...that is all. Sounds fair to me! I'd want my money back too.

[AndreaCG]

8. I thought these contracts had morality clauses

Certainly a felony conviction of this sort should invalidate his contract, all of it, under a morality clause.

[wndycty]

10. Yes, but if they cut him they would not have the ability to recoup the $22 million

By severing the ties he has no obligation to pay the money back, by keeping him on the team they can go after his money.

[wndycty]

9. I'm not defending the guy, just pointing out . . .

. . .by taking the $22 million they are in essence leveling a fine. So not cutting him is actually a punishment.

[Zueda]

11. I may have misunderstood.

I thought you were implying the 22 million was a fine and would be excessive as other crimes do not receive such extraordinary fines. In a recent similar case the criminals were given $100,000 fines and 4 years. It would be nice to see Vick get this.

[wndycty]

14. Well. . .

. . .to be honest I do feel its excessive, however he did the crime so I don't want to spend anytime defending him, I just want to put things in perspective. I do think 5 years from now that his punishment is going to be greater than the crime. But I don't really feel too sorry for him, he was arrogant and if he really wanted to avoid any punishment he would not have committed the crime in the first place.

[theboss]

13. He can't play either way

He's been suspended by the league.

It would make not sense to pay him $22 million when he is not eligible to play.

[MADem]

7. My perspective is that the guy is a brutal asshole, and a poor example to children. NT

[ComerPerro]

12. murderers and rapists don't always make that much money, either

[Burma Jones]

2. Thank You, good post

[sutz12]

15. The original signing bonuses assumed he would play for a certain number of years...

Having received the suspension by the league, Vick is unlikely to play those seasons, thus, he is in breach of contract.

This is actually similar to other cases. There are precedents for the team to seek redress when large sums of money like this are involved. In Vick's case they will probably pro-rate the bonus money based on years actually played versus length of contract and force him to repay the difference.

Keep in mind that under the NFL salary cap rules, the money involved not only affects Mike Vick, it loads the team down and prevents it from spending that money on replacement players. There is a huge future impact on the team's ability to fill it's roster if it has to carry millions of dollars in dead money owed to someone not on the roster. In the NFL, the salary cap is a hard cap. There is a finite maximum amount of money they can pay players, with very little wiggle room or avenues for creative financing. The team may not need the real money back, but they do need compensation-or at least relief- against the salary cap or their roster could be in jeopardy for several years.

[FredScuttle]

22. excellent summary

n/t

[Neshanic]

16. Not so fast...this foot in the door argument to get money back smells of something else.

IF the Falcons go after the money and not let him play, then OK...

But we all know this "foot in the door" can be played out over time to the return of Vick in some form or another either for the Falocns or someone else. When the approporiate time has passed, when the time is served,(which I am seriously having my doubts about at this time), after all the public appearances after he now has "found Jesus", which glues him to the freakish born agains, don't be too suprised to see him on the field.

Think about it. Money, its always the money.

[wndycty]

17. Well we will know next summer. . .

. . .well before Vick is released from jail.

[Neshanic]

18. Who says he's going to jail? Do you know that for a fact?

We will know the REAL story when we know if he actually goes to jail. The fix is in on THAT day.

[wndycty]

19. Since you are so untrusting of everyone are you going to. . .

. . .storm Vick's estate with a torch, pitchfork and hangman's noose and exert your own justice?

[Neshanic]

20. It's not being untrusting, it's being realistic. MONEY is involed, and lots of it.

[emilyg]

21. Falcons won't take him back.